This conference is geared toward graduate-level writing, study, and research. Our theme invites participants to situate their efforts in ongoing academic conversations in the fields of literature, language, creative writing, and technical communication. Graduate students will demonstrate that their research propels the "new" scholars of today into the academic workforce of tomorrow. This is a conference at which graduate students can discuss their ideas in an encouraging and thought-provoking environment, not only presenting their work, but also integrating it into the new, interdisciplinary, global direction of English studies.

The Graduate English Society welcomes papers and panels from all English disciplines that may address ANY area of literature or film studies, creative writing, linguistics, composition and rhetoric, technical communication, or even professional challenges facing students in English graduate programs. As our theme suggests, we especially welcome work that underscores current trends and issues in English studies, such as:

* Cultural studies and interdisciplinary approaches* Race/ethnic studies* Postcolonial or global literatures* Gender studies* Digital humanities initiatives* Book history and bibliography* English studies job markets and professional development matters

Those interested in participating should submit their 200-300 word abstracts no later than December 29, 2006 to Karen Beth O'Dell and Emily Johnson at gesconference2007_at_yahoo.com <mailto:gesconference2007_at_yahoo.com> .

The e-mail should include the following information:

* title of paper* 200-300 word abstract pasted into body of e-mail* the applicant's current academic program or position (M.A., Ph.D., M.F.A., faculty), department, and institution* any special assistance needed* technology or visual aid required for presentation (each conference room is equipped with computers and projectors)

Panel proposals should include the additional information:

* each panel member's name, institution, academic program or position, e-mail address* individual abstracts for each member on panel if available

Applicants will be notified of acceptance when the deadline has passed.

For more conference information, we invite you to visit the GES conference website and blog, which will be updated periodically as more details and panels are confirmed.